Ash Wednesday Potluck & Lenten Workshop
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
The 40 days of Lent are a time to extend ourselves inside and out in rhythm with the lengthening days and life of Christ. Embrace and observe this holy season as we bake pretzels, create prayer journals, and join together for good food and conversation before Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m.

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations or email Colin@faithatfirst.com

Ash Wednesday Service
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Tittle Chapel
Join us at 7pm in Tittle Chapel!

Youth Retreat
2026-02-20 17:30 - 2026-02-22 12:00

Bundled Blessings Community Diaper Packing
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Room M

Bundled Blessings Diaper Packing
2026-02-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Room M

One Church One Book
2026-02-24 | Glenna Hall

First Church's Nursery
2026-03-01 08:00 - 17:00
First Church‘s nursery for children ages three and under is staffed Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:45 a.m. The nursery provides a safe and nurturing space for our youngest disciples to play, learn, and grow! Parents and caregivers may sign in their babies and toddlers for the morning or visit the nursery for a play break, diaper change, or feeding.

Organ Concert: Brian Schoettler
2026-03-01 13:30 - 14:30 | Sanctuary
On Sunday, March 1, First Church Minister of Music & Organist, Dr. Brian Schoettler, will present a 60-minute concert featuring the sanctuary’s mighty, Austin pipe organ (Opus 319).

The program will feature works by American composers.
The 1:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

First Wednesday Potluck
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Dining Hall
Bring a side or dessert to share and join your church family for good food and fellowship on the first Wednesday of each month!

Kindly register at onrealm.org/faithatfirst/Registrations or email Colin@faithatfirst.com

Total Child School Picture Day
2026-03-05 08:30 - 13:30 | Glenna Hall

Purple Haze A Cappella Concert (Northwestern University)
2026-03-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Tittle Chapel

Breakfast and Diaper Packing for Inquirers and Friends
2026-03-07 09:30 - 11:30

Craft Day
2026-03-07 09:30 - 12:30
Craft Day: March 7th from 9:30am-12:30pm
Join us from 9:30am to 12:30pm for a fun and creative time together. Bring any project you would like to work on, including quilting, crochet, knitting, beading, painting, and more. All projects are welcome.
We will meet in the dining room, so there will be plenty of space to spread out. Please bring your sewing machine and any supplies you will need, as well as your lunch.
Beginners are welcome. All ages and skill levels are invited to join.
Please email Courtney or Glynis to receive the building access code.

Mom's Night Out (On the Town!)
2026-03-12 20:00 - 22:00
Mom’s Night Out: March 12 @ 6:30pm
Host: Women’s Club Review & Evelyn McGowan
Join friends for an evening of laughter and community at “All Downstage from Here”, presented at the Evanston Woman’s Club (1702 Church Street at Chicago Avenue).
This entertaining revue features musical numbers cleverly “adapted” with humorous commentary on life in Evanston. The production is entirely volunteer-led and promises a delightful night out.
Most importantly, proceeds benefit Piven Theatre Workshop, supporting its mission to foster creative exploration and celebrate each individual’s unique voice through ensemble-based, community-oriented theatre training and performance.

Tickets: $52
Evelyn McGowan has reserved a table for 12. Please pay via Zelle and contact Evelyn for payment details at em4mail@@gmail.com.

Dinner Before the Show – 6:00pm
We’ll gather at Prairie Moon (1635 Chicago Avenue).
If you’d like to join for dinner, please contact Cherie Asante at Cherie.asante@gmail.com so she can include you in the reservation.
We hope you’ll join us for a fun evening in support of a meaningful ministry in our community!
Upcoming:

April – Jen Wolfe & Jackie Owens
May – Julie Womack & TBD

Stare at the Sun Choral Concert
2026-03-13 18:30 - 22:00 | Glenna Hall

Men's Fellowship: One Church One Book 9:15am Meeting
2026-03-15 09:15 - 10:15 | Great Hall Balcony

New Member Sunday walkthrough
2026-03-15 09:30 - 10:10 | Tittle Chapel

Special Church Conference
2026-03-15 11:45 - 12:45 | Dining Hall
Special Church Conference to hear about and vote on Church Council’s recommended revised church committee structure.

Laity Convocation 2026: "Moving Forward with Hope"
2026-03-21 09:30 - 12:30 | 424 Forest Ave.
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee invites you to attend Laity Convocation 2026: “Moving Forward with Hope” on March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First UMC of Glen Ellyn (424 Forest Ave.). This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with other lay leaders, exchange ideas, and gain practical insight for leading with clarity and purpose in the year ahead.
The cost is $15 per person. We encourage you to participate, share your voice, and be part of the conversation shaping our shared ministry.

Celebration of Life - Judith Radcliffe
2026-03-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Dining Hall ;Tittle Chapel ;Memorial Garden

Men's Fellowship: One Church One Book 11:45am Meeting
2026-03-22 11:45 - 12:45 | Great Hall Balcony

Opera Recital
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Tittle Chapel

ASP Training
2026-04-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Dining Hall

Confirmation Breakfast
2026-05-03 09:15 - 10:15

Memorial Service- Rosita Thompson
2026-05-09 13:00 - 17:00 | Sanctuary ;Glenna Hall ;Dining Hall

Haydn's Mass in Time of Distress
2026-05-15 19:30 - 20:30 | Sanctuary ;Glenna Hall ;Dining Hall
On Friday, May 15th, the Festival Choir and Orchestra of First United Methodist Church of Evanston presents Haydn’s Mass in Time of Distress (Missa in angustiis) also known as the Nelson Mass. The program will be conducted by Brian Schoettler with soloists Kari Sorenson, Christine Ebeling Mando, William Johnson, and Joshua Green. The 7:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

Total Child School Picnic and Play
2026-06-03 16:00 - 19:30 | Dining Hall
If there is rain, the dining room has been reserved as well.

Creation Camp
2026-06-22 - 2026-06-26
First Church’s Children’s and Youth Ministry programs are returning to Camp Wesley Woods in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Join us for a five-day overnight camp experience suitable for children and youth entering grades 2-8 in the fall of 2026 as together we to seek create life-changing memories and life-giving relationships in Christ.

Save the date for summer camp!

First Church’s Children’s and Youth Ministry programs are returning to Camp Wesley Woods in beautiful Williams Bay, Wisconsin, June 22-26, 2026. Join us for a five-day overnight camp experience suitable for children and youth entering grades 2-8 in the fall of 2026 as together we seek to create life-giving relationships and life-changing memories in Christ.

Registration opens January 2026.

Wedding Rehearsal
2026-07-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Glenna Hall
